Understanding the Differences: Serviced and Leased (Unserviced) Offices

February 20, 2024

In the dynamic landscape of modern business, finding the right office space is more than securing a location.

As a business owner, you must ensure that your office rental agreement provides a level of servicing that suits your needs. This decision often boils down to two main options: serviced offices and leased (non-serviced) offices. Each comes with its unique set of features, benefits, and considerations.

This article will explain the main differences between each option, and what to look for when renting your next office space.

Serviced Offices: Flexibility and Convenience

Serviced offices, also known as managed offices, offer the highest level of convenience when it comes to renting an office. Serviced offices typically includes everything your office needs to get started. This includes; furniture, high-speed internet, utilities and cleaning. Shared amenities like reception services, meeting rooms, and kitchen facilities are also included in many serviced office agreements.

Pros:

The main advantage of a service office is that it gives you, the business owner, fewer things to worry about. This allows you to focus on running the business, rather than managing utility and service providers.

  • Turnkey Offices: Serviced offices are move-in ready, reducing the time and effort required to set up your workspace.
  • Flexibility: Short-term leases and scalability options make adjusting for growth or downsising easier.
  • All-Inclusive: Monthly fees usually cover utilities, cleaning, and maintenance, simplifying budget management.
  • Simplicity: Knowing that everything from your wi-fi to your phones is included makes running your business easier.

Cons:

While there aren’t many disadvantages to a serviced office, the lack of control can be less desirable for some businesses, especially organisations with multiple office locations that want to use a preferred supplier.

  • Cost: While convenient, serviced offices can be more expensive in the long term due to their all-inclusive nature.
  • Less Control: Choices for your internet and phone provider might be out of your hands.

Serviced offices are ideal for startups, small to medium-sized businesses, or companies looking for minimal setup time and convenience.

Leased Offices: Control and Customisation

Leased or Non-Serviced Offices give you full control over how your office is managed. Utilities, cleaning, telecoms and internet all become your responsibility. This means you can save money on your bills if your office provider adds a markup. It also means you can use preferred suppliers, especially where your office is one of many in a group. However, this also means that when things go wrong with your providers, you must fix them.

Pros:

  • Customisation: Using your own providers allows you to tailor their services to your needs.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: In the long term, leased offices can be more cost-effective, especially for established businesses with stable growth.
  • Control: You have greater control over your service providers, office management, and operational setup.

Cons:

  • Initial Setup: Setting up a leased office requires a significant upfront investment in furnishings, infrastructure, and utilities.
  • Long-Term Commitment: Leased offices typically have longer lease agreements, reducing flexibility.
  • Accountability: When things don’t work out with your service providers, it’s your responsibility to resolve them.

Leased offices are well-suited for established companies with a clear growth plan, looking for a permanent base and the ability to manage their providers.

Levels of Serviced Offices

It's important to note that "serviced" can encompass a range of offerings, from partially serviced to fully serviced offices. The extent of services provided can vary significantly:

Partially Serviced: Might include basic amenities such as internet and utilities, but exclude some aspects like cleaning and maintenance.

Fully Serviced: Offer a comprehensive suite of services, including front desk support, mail handling, cleaning, and access to shared facilities like conference rooms and kitchens.

When considering a serviced office, it's crucial to understand precisely what services are included to ensure they align with your business needs.

Serviced and Leased Offices at Cambrai Court

Choosing between a serviced and leased office depends on your business's size, growth plans, budget, and how much control and customisation you desire. At Cambrai Court, we understand these unique needs and offer various offices with serviced and leased options.

Whether you're a fledgling startup needing a flexible workspace or an established enterprise seeking a long-term home, we have the facilities and support to accommodate your journey. Contact us to explore how we can tailor our offices to your business requirements.

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